‘Evil Dead,’ ‘Jurassic Park’: Review Revue

This week at the multiplex, we’ve got an army of darkness (“Evil Dead,” starring Jane Levy and Shiloh Fernandez) and an island of dinosaurs (“Jurassic Park,” starring Sam Neill and Laura Dern). Find out what the critics have to say on Rotten Tomatoes.

“Evil Dead”

With “Evil Dead” and “Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn,” Sam Raimi pulled off a heady mix of over-the-top gore and subversive humor. Critics say this new “Evil Dead” doesn’t come close to matching its classic predecessors, but it’s a visceral, smarter-than-average frightfest that will impress gorehounds (and churn the stomachs of more sensitive types). When a group of teenagers in a remote cabin inadvertently summon demonic forces, they’re left to fend off all sorts of unimaginable evils – including each other. “Evil Dead”” is currently at 67 percent on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer; check out some of the reviews here:

Fresh: “The new ‘Evil Dead’ is not only made with an affectionate nod and a wink to the 1981 version, it’s also the bloodiest, goriest, slapstickiest horror movie since, well, ‘The Evil Dead.’” — Chris Nashawaty, Entertainment Weekly
Fresh: “The rare remake that likely will be enjoyed most by diehard fans of its predecessor.” — Joe Leydon, Variety
Rotten: “The new ‘Evil Dead’ has none of the first movie’s handmade charm or hilarity, intentional or otherwise.’” — Manohla Dargis, New York Times

Upon its release in 1993, “Jurassic Park” smashed box office records and set a new standard for special effects. Now it’s getting a deluxe 3D theatrical rerelease, giving audiences another chance to witness Steven Spielberg’s deft mix of monster movie scares and beautifully lifelike dinosaurs on the big screen. Critics found&lt;em&gt;Jurassic Park&lt;/em&gt; to be more spectacle than substance, but also were quick to note that it’s spectacle of a very high order, and the special effects hold up remarkably well 20 years later. “Jurassic Park” is Certified Fresh at 90 percent on the Tomatometer; here’s what some of the critics are saying:

Fresh: “’Jurassic Park’ remains an absolute thrill from a Spielberg in top form: Funny, scary, fast-moving and full of just-right details..” — Rafer Guzman, Newsday